Method and means for erecting masts



'May' 13, 1930. J. E. BUsHNl-:LL 1,758,389: X

METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING MASTS Filed Nov` l, 1928 e sheets-sheet 1 vwentoz g2 ,gf/M @Maa 'W1/fyi @l v m m K May 13, 1930. J. E. BUSHNELL 1,758,389

METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTIANG MSTS Filed Nov. 21, 1928, 6 sheets-Sheet 2 ma @WM/@G14 May 13, 1930. J. E. BUSHNELL 1,758,389

METHOD AND MEANS F'OR ERECTING' MSTS Filed Nov 21. 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 w. -./V. -1/ \7\ 2 ,u 3 w M Filed NOVv 2l, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet May 13, 1930. J. E. BUSHNELL METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING MASTS Filed No'v. 21, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented May 13, r1939 JAI/IESE. BUS-INELL, GF 'NORTH PLAINIEIEL, NEV JERSEY, ASSIGNOR T0 RANSOIVIE CONCRETE MACE-HEERE? COMPANY, F PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION 0F New JERSEY METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING MASTS Application Afiled november 21,132?

The present improvements relate, ingeneral, to the erection of sectional masts, towers and the like, and more particularly to the means for and method of erectingsuch vertical masts adapted for use in connection with the gravity distribution of loose materials such as concrete and the like. It is apparent however, that the present improvements may be employed in other fields of endeavor,

where similar masts are utilized.

A primary object, among others, is to provide a mast erection arrangement which employs a small number of parts, eliminates several attendants in supervising the work, and i5 reduces the' steps to be practiced in the erection method to a minimum. A further object is to provide a novel erection mechanism adapted for use in connection with an erected section of a mast. The present improvements so further contemplate the provision of a novel erection mechanism, constructed and arranged to perform other services in addition to the erection functions ascribed thereto.

Other objects and advantages inthe construction and arrangement of the present improvements will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the accompanyingdescription and drawings. in which` Fig. 1 ris a side elevation of the lifting l 80 frame, illustrating the first step in the method of erection; c

Fig. 2 is a view taken at right angleslto Fig. 1;

Figs. 3 and 4 are front and side elevations respectively of a portion of the erected base section, illustrating another step` in the method and additional parts; v p n Fig. 5 illustrates, in elevation, another Astep inthe method;

Fig-6 is a view similar to that of 5 illustrating the initial step in erecting a third section; y

Figs. 7 and 8 are enlarged views of details;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan ofl the platform support; p

1() is an enlarged side elevation of the platform support andcframe thereof.

One application of the present improvement-s is illustrated and; will be described in l connection with a mast plant for the gravity Serial No. 320,773.

fdistributionof loose materials, such as concrete and thelike. a more detailed description of which may be found upon reference to the and October 20, 1928, Serial Number 313,679,

Aupon which the rpresent invention is in the nature of animprovement.

Referring to the drawings, a well or pit ,10

is illustrated wherein a'solid foundation11- of concrete, brick or other materials is provided, whereby a suitable base is afforded upon which to mlount the mast sections. `lt is apparent that the base section of the mast may be placed directly on the ground Vlevel .or other support, without providing a well,

but with the type of mast chosen for illustration, the well is more convenient because a concrete mixer of any knowntype may be positioned on the ground adjacent the edge of the well, whereby to discharge the freshly while in receiving Aposition in the well, whence vsame may be elevated along or within the mast to a suitable height where they `are discharged into suitable chutes as is well known in the art. I Y r A portion of the lifting mechanism utilized in erecting the mast sections comprises a lifting frame 13 of inverted'U-shaped form having the cross member 14 and legs 15 and 16 formed of -suitable piping, wooden posts or other convenient material, the former being preferable. Adjacent'the free ends of said legs, one or more tie braces 17 are kprovided for rigidly connecting the frame-13,

Aas illustrated, so that ak sturdy and rugged frame, capable of withstanding stresses and -`mixed vconcret-e to single or twin hoist buckets Although any convenient manner of erecting the base section 22 may beemployed,the present improvements preferably contemplate that illustrated inl Figs. 1 and 2, among other reasons, because the pipe frame 13 `quently described steps.

may be utilized in thisv as well as in subse- 23 may be temporarily positioned across well V1() and theframe 13 mounted thereon and as hereinafter set forth, these 'elements preferably serve to change the position of the lifting mechanism. u

- The step in the `method of erection illustrated in Figs. `3 and 4 may constitute a second step following the one above de-' scribed, or if the base section 22 is positioned inanother manner, the step now to be described may constitute the `first step in the method. In anyevent, after section 22 is secured in place, the frame 13 and timbers 23 are removed. Another portion of the lifting mechanism compri-sing the support 25 `is now mounted on a face of mast section 22.

This support is in theform of a slidable frame having horizontal and vertical members and is provided with suitable fshoes or rollers 25a for sliding travel along the section 22. The horizontal. portion of this support affords a surface 26 upon which the frame 13 is removably mounted, and also provides a platform for workmen in super- Y vising the erection operations.

The framew13 is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 in position on support 25, the parts being suitably braced to sliding support 25 by guy wires 24 and guy ortie rods 27.-` The cable 21, one end of which isranchored to winch 19 and wound thereabout, is now led down over sheave 28 on the support 25, upwardly over sheave 29 on the top of erected base' section 22 and down therefrom to the support 25 where the Vfree end of said cable 21 is anchored at 30. A counterweight 28a is provided as illustrated. One or more operators `may now stand on platform 25, and operate winch 19 by handle 20, thus windingin cable 21 and accordingly elevating the lifting -mechanism, including frame 13and support I 25 (and the men thereon), to a position adjacentthe top of base section 22,(see Fig. 5). llVhile the foregoing method of raising the sliding frame is suggested for they reason that members-already on hand are utilized to the exclusion of additional block and tackle, etc., it is apparent that any other manner of accomplishing the result may be practiced. The frame and appurtenances are now temporarily securedV at the top of section 22 by bolts, pivotedlatches or other Suitable timbers the free end thereof anchored to new section 22EL at 33. As illustrated in Fig. 5, said cable extends from anchor 33 up and over sheave 18 and downwardly over sheaves 34 to a suitable hoisting engine or other power means (not shown). Upon the application of power to cable 32, section 22a is gradually raised from the ground to the full line position of Fig. 5, where the removable rollers 35 and guides 36 on section 22a contact the face of section 22; ySaid removable members may be omitted if desired, their provision however, facilitates travel of the section by preventing swinging of the section as well as insuring unobstructed ascent.

)When the section 22EL reaches full line position (Fig. 5,) the operators upon platform 25 may transfer sheave bracket and sheave 29 from top of section 22to the top of section 22,

should the latter .not already have been so equipped. Since platform 25 is now supported by the section 22, the operators thereon may remove the end of cable 21 from anchor 30, pass said cable over the sheave 29 on the new section and again anchor it at 30. Further pull upon cable 32, causes further ascent of section 22a upwardlv through aperture 37 in platform 25, until said section reaches a position where it is swung over, superposed on section 22 and bolted firmly in place thereon, as by tie plates 38. During this elevating process, the ascending sheave 29 (on the new section 22a) causes cable 21 to be paid out from winchl 19, whereby the platform and frame thereon are prepared to be elevated.

The platform may now be freed of its connection with section 22 and the winch 19 operated to raise same with frame 13 thereon, along the new section 22a. Prior thereto or during this ascent, the attendants on the platform may remove rollers 35 and guides 36 and remove Vcable 32 from anchor 33. The platform, upon'reaching the top of new section 22a, may be connected thereto as previously described, (see Fig. 6) after whicha guy strut 100 is secured near the top of the section as at plates38 whereby guys 90 may be anchored thereto for steadying the structure Ypreparatory to raising additional section 22h.

The cable 32 is now lowered for elevating a third section 22B, which process is carried out in the saine manner as set forth with respect to section 22a. Said section 22B is secured in place (see dotted line position in'F ig. 6) by the plates 39.

1t is apparent that the lift-ing mechanism il;

may be Velevated beyond'the'position illustrated in Fig. Gby unfastening wires 27 until the mechanism is clear of guy strut l100 whence said wires may again be secured in place. Accordingly, theforegoing steps may be repeated, for positioning additional mast sections, whereby a mast of any desired height may be erected. The platform 25 carries a guy connection as an integral part of itself and, is so proportionedthat the standard guy connection. may be placed in position and the.

guys transferred to it before raising the platform to the next position. When erection is completed, this platform 25 with its integral guy connection forms the top of the mast and top guyconnection. rllhe legs 25B- which eX- the sliding chute oi' hopper frame, while the mast sections are raised on the opposite face which is subsequently used by the hoist buckets. Accordingly in Figs.y 7 and 8, the platforin`25 is shown as bolted securely iii'pla'ce to form the mast top. 'The sheave 4:1 attached to said platform and provided with cable 42 affords the means for raising or lowering the chute or hopper sliding frame (not shown) to its proper position, while sheave 43 on the other side ofsaid platform, through,ca bles,l

affords thev means for ascent and descent of single or twin buckets, as is known in the art. The pipe frame 13 mayremain on the platform orbe removed and lowered to the ground as desired. i

As aforementioned, however, the platform 25, fixed to the mast top non7 serves, duringthe utilization of the mast, as a guy connection to which guy wires 92 are fastened. The mast is thus steadied and properly braced, as is lrnown, and by employing the platform 25 in this connection it is seentliat the usual cross members are dispensed with. Furthermore, said platform with its sheaves and cables takes the place of the usual cross member, whereby apparatus may be elevated and lowered along the inner o-r outer faces o f the tower or mast. c It is also obvious that when it is desired to dismantle the mast, the platform 25 is on hand to perform its functions in the same manner, but in a reverse order, as it did duiing the erection operation. It is therefore notable that the dismantling of the mast may Abe accomplished by practicing the previously described steps in their reverse order.

`Various modifications in the construction and arrangement of parts may be made withvout departing from the scope of the present frame adapted to assist in elevating another mast section, vsaid supportconstrueted and arranged to afford passage of said other mast section through the limits defined by. said support. l L

2. An erecting` mechanism yfor sectional mast plants comprising a support adapted to' slide along a mast sectioma verticalfiframe removably vmounted onfsaid support, means on ysaid frame adapted .to assist in elevating another mastsection, said support constructed and arranged to affordlpassage'of said other mast section through the limitsdeiined by said support. -f

3'.' Anerecting mechanism .for sectional mast plants comprising a support adapted to slide ,along a mast section, means for fixing' said support'to said mast section, a vertical frame mounted on said support, means on said frame adapted to assist in elevating an- 'otherl mast section, said support constructed and arranged to afford passage of said-other mast section through' the said support.

d. An erecting mechanism for` sectionalmast plants comprising' a support adapted to slide along a ymast section, means for lining said support to said mast section, avertical frame removably mounted on-said support, means on saidfi'ame adapted to assist in elevating another mast section, said support constructed and arranged to afford passage of said'other mast section through the limitsdefined by said support. i

5. An erecting mechanism for vertical masts comprisinga support adapted to slide along Yan erected .mast section, a vertical frame rmounted, on said support, means on said frame adapted to elevate a mast sect-ion, said support having an aperture adapted to afford passage of said mast section as the latter is elevated by said means.

6. An erecting. mechanism for vertical masts comprising a support adaptedto slide along an erected mast section, means foi-fixing said support to such erected section, a

vertical frame mounted yon said support, means on said frame adapted to elevate a mast section, said supporthaving an aperture adapted to afford passage yof said mast seetion as the latter is elevatedby said means.

`limits defined by lOl) llt)

lid

`7'. `An erecting :mechanism for vertical masts comprising a support adapted to slide alongV an erected mast section, means for fixing said support adjacent the top of an erected section,`and means on saidsupport adapted to receive guys, whereby said support serves initially during erection operations and subsequently as a guy anchor.

8. The method of erecting a sectional mast comprising erecting a base section, mounting a lifting mechanism on said base section, elevating said mechanism by Vpower means theref on, anchoring said liftingmechanism to said erected section7 attaching `an additional section to be` erected to said mechanism, elevating such additional section adjacentthe top Vof said erect-ed section, superposing saidadditional section on said erected section and securing together said sections.,

j 9.,.The method of erecting a sectional mast `comprising erecting a lifting mechanism,

erecting a base section by said mechanism, transferring said lifting mechanism to said Verected base section, eleva-ting vsaid lifting mechanism along said erected' section, an-

choring said lifting mechanism adjacent the top of said erected base section, attaching an additional section 'to be erected to said liftingmechanism, elevating such radditional section adjacent the top'ofsaid erected section, su-

vperposing said additional section on said erected section and sections;V

10. `The methodof erecting a sectional mast securing vtogether said comprising erecting a lifting mechanism,`

erecting a base section Vby said mechanism, transferring said lifting mechanism: to said erected base sect-ionVelevating said lifting mechanism along said erected section, anchoring said lifting mechanism adjacent the top of said erected base section, attaching an ad'- ditional section to be erected to said lifting mechanism, elevating such additional section adjacent the top of said erected section, incorporating said additional section into the erected section, transferringv said lifting mechanism to the now erected additional section and anchoring same adjacent the top Of said section and repeating the operation'. l

11. The method of erecting a sectional mast `'comprising erecting a lifting mechanism,

erecting a base section by said mechanism, transferring said lifting mechanism to said erected base section, elevating said lifting mechanism along said erected section, anchortion and anchoring same adjacent theV top `of `if/jaseese connection for mast plants comprising a slidable frame having a supporting surface and depending frame members, means for anchoring guy Wires carried by said frame, said frame members having movable portions whereby said members may be temporarily shifted, `and means for anchoring said frame to a mast. Y'

14. In a mast plant for distributing loose materials, anerection platform adapted to be elevated and lowered on a mast, said platform having a supporting surface adapted to support erection elements, said platform also including pivoted frame members and means for anchoring guy wires, all so constructed and arranged whereby said platform may serve as a permanent guy connection for said mast after performing its function in the erection operation.

15. An 'erecting mechanism for sectional mast plants comprising a support adapted to slide along a mast section, means on said support to assist in elevating another mast section, said support having spaced members to afford passage of a portion of said other mast section therebetween.

Witness myvhand this 14th day of November, 1928, county of Middlesex, `State'of New iso 

